Real Madrid, while resting key players for the Copa Del Rey, managed to come from behind to secure a 3-2 victory against Leganes on Saturday. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring with a penalty, but Leganes, fighting to avoid relegation, responded strongly and took the lead by halftime, exploiting weaknesses in Real Madrid`s disorganized defense.
However, Real Madrid started the second half with renewed energy. Jude Bellingham quickly equalized, and the introduction of Vinicius Junior and Fede Valverde further boosted Real Madrid`s attack. Mbappe then scored the winning goal from a clever set-piece play.
This win puts Real Madrid level on points with Barcelona at the top of La Liga. Barcelona, however, have a game in hand against Girona on Sunday. Real Madrid`s focus remains on their own performance. The La Liga title race is tight, and the El Clásico match in May could be decisive if both teams maintain their current form. This game against Leganes, though tougher than anticipated, provided valuable lessons for Real Madrid.
Jude Bellingham`s Timely Goal
Bellingham`s equalizer demonstrated his determination. Less than a minute into the second half, he followed up his own saved shot and Brahim Diaz`s blocked attempt, seizing the rebound to score. This was Bellingham`s seventh La Liga goal of the season, adding to his six assists. Importantly, it was a goal scored from a late run into the penalty area.
Bellingham frequently made these late runs last season when Real Madrid lacked a natural striker. However, with Mbappe`s arrival, this has been less common. In the second half, Bellingham essentially played as a second forward, taking three shots with a high expected goal value. He effectively linked up with Mbappe and maintained his passing accuracy while contributing to the team`s attacking efforts.
Kylian Mbappe`s Double
Despite taking nine shots, Mbappe`s two goals, including the winner, were crucial for Real Madrid. His two goals brought his La Liga tally to 22, tying him with Robert Lewandowski in the race for the Golden Boot. The team is actively ensuring Mbappe gets the ball in dangerous positions, both in open play and on counter-attacks.
Mbappe`s increasing influence is vital as Real Madrid competes for a treble this season. His goals will be essential. After a somewhat slow start at Madrid, Mbappe is now fulfilling expectations. His performance is transforming Real Madrid into a formidable force at a critical point in the season.
Depth Concerns Highlighted
While Real Madrid won, some players underperformed. Brahim Diaz`s turnover led to a Leganes goal, and Fran Garcia and Raul Asencio were defensively vulnerable. The match became more difficult than it should have been, something Carlo Ancelotti will note. Considering it was after an international break and with rested players, some rustiness is understandable. However, with three games in seven days, relying on squad depth will be necessary. Upcoming Champions League quarter-finals against Arsenal are sandwiched between matches against Valencia and Alaves, teams similar to Leganes. Real Madrid has shown resilience in securing results, but they need greater consistency to overtake Barcelona and win La Liga.
Looking Ahead
Real Madrid faces a busy schedule, starting with the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Tuesday, April 1st. Leading 1-0 and playing at home, Real Madrid will be confident. The Champions League tie against Arsenal is also approaching. Leganes must quickly recover from this narrow defeat in their fight against relegation and will play Osasuna on April 7th.
